Always

Overview

With a trio of skyscrapers already erected and a casino on the way, it's hard not to wonder what Barangaroo's namesake would have made of Sydney's new financial district. Barangaroo was a fisherwoman for the Cammeraygal people who apparently deplored the excesses of the British settlers, so it's a stretch to imagine her embracing the economic opportunities of the rejuvenated docklands.

For 2019's Sydney Festival, Bangarra's Helpmann Award-winning head of design Jacob Nash will be out at Barangaroo crafting a large-scale public sculpture spelling ALWAYS. Using the phrase 'Always was, always will be' as an impetus, the work will serve as a reminder that Sydney's newest development is taking place on Aboriginal land.

On January 26, an overnight vigil will be held on the eve of Australia Day at Barangaroo near the sculpture. Running from sunset right through to the morning — around 8pm to 6am — it's a reflection on the impact of the arrival of the First Fleet and Australia's colonisation on First Nations people, with musical performances and stories told by community Elders throughout the night.

Always is part of Sydney Festival's dramatic and diverse 2019 program. Check out the full lineup here.

Images: Victor Frankowski